Cottage Cheese Brownies with Dates

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Dates
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup pitted Medjool dates; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love the unexpected richness that cottage cheese brings to these brownies! They are dense and fudgy without being overly sweet, thanks to all the natural sweetness from the dates. This recipe is not only a treat for chocolate lovers but also a healthier alternative to traditional brownies. As I baked them, the aroma of chocolate wafted through my kitchen, making it hard to wait for them to cool before indulging. Plus, they're packed with protein and have a delicious chewy texture that everyone will love.

Created by

Marianne Hughes

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:40:14.997Z

When I first tried making brownies with cottage cheese, I was skeptical. However, the combination turned out to be a game changer! The cottage cheese adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the chocolate and dates beautifully. Baking them for just the right amount of time creates a crispy top while keeping the inside deliciously gooey.

I recommend using Medjool dates for their caramel-like sweetness. They blend easily, and their texture enhances the overall richness of the brownies. Trust me, this recipe will become a favorite in no time!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Surprisingly moist and rich flavor
Healthy twist with high protein from cottage cheese
Great for satisfying chocolate cravings without guilt
Naturally sweetened with dates for an extra layer of flavor

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Using cottage cheese in brownies may seem unconventional, but it plays a crucial role in achieving that rich, fudgy texture. The moisture from the cottage cheese prevents the brownies from drying out while also contributing to their protein content. This not only makes for a denser brownie but also provides a bit of tang that balances the sweetness from the dates, elevating the overall flavor profile.

When selecting cottage cheese, opt for a full-fat variety for the best results. This creaminess enhances the richness of the brownies. If you prefer, low-fat varieties can also work, but be aware that they may result in a slightly less moist texture. Additionally, blending the cottage cheese until smooth is essential; any curds left in the batter can create an unexpected texture that differs from the intended fudgy consistency.

Working with Dates

Medjool dates are not only a natural sweetener but also add a delightful chewiness to the brownies. Before using them, ensure they are pitted and consider soaking them in warm water for about 10 minutes if they seem particularly dry. This step softens the dates, making them easier to blend and incorporating more smoothly into the brownie batter.

If you're looking for alternatives to Medjool dates, you could experiment with other dried fruits like figs or prunes, though they will impart different flavors. Using date paste is another option; just blend pitted dates with a bit of water until smooth and substitute it for the chopped dates in the recipe. Keep in mind that this could change the moisture level slightly, so you might need to adjust other ingredients accordingly.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them where they can last up to a week. If you want to keep them even longer, freeze the brownies in individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer-safe bag. They can be enjoyed straight from the freezer or thawed at room temperature.

When serving, consider enhancing their flavor by pairing them with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a protein boost. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can also elevate their presentation. For an indulgent touch, topping them with fresh berries just before serving brings a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your delicious Cottage Cheese Brownies with Dates:

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup pitted Medjool dates
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Cottage Cheese Brownies:

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Blend Ingredients

In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, Medjool dates, eggs, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the melted coconut oil and blend again.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, almond flour, baking soda, and salt. Pour the blended mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. If using, fold in the dark chocolate chips.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Enjoy your healthy, fudgy delights!

Serve these brownies warm or at room temperature for the best taste!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding some chopped nuts or a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your brownies come out too dense or rubbery, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Another common issue is underbaking, which can lead to a sticky texture in the center. Always do the toothpick test, and remember that the brownies will continue to cook as they cool in the pan.

Should you find that the edges are baking faster than the center, consider rotating the pan halfway through baking. Additionally, placing a pan of water in the oven during baking can introduce moisture and assist with even cooking; however, be cautious as it can also extend the baking time slightly.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize these brownies by adding mix-ins like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a bit of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor. For a minty twist, adding a few drops of mint extract works well and pairs nicely with the chocolate.

To keep the brownies dairy-free, you can substitute the cottage cheese with a combination of silken tofu or blended bananas, but this may alter the texture. Additionally, using nut butters can add an entirely new flavor profile while maintaining a moist consistency. Just ensure to adjust the sweetener accordingly based on the sweetness of the substitute chosen.

Scaling the Recipe

To make a larger batch, simply double the ingredients and use a 9x13-inch baking dish instead of the 8x8-inch. Keep in mind that baking times may slightly vary; it could take an additional 5-10 minutes, so monitor the brownies closely towards the end of the baking time. Remember to test for doneness with a toothpick.

Conversely, if you want to make fewer brownies, you can halve the recipe and use a smaller dish, like a 4x4-inch pan. Be aware that adjusting the recipe down can impact the texture slightly, so it’s vital to keep an eye on the baking time to prevent drying out the smaller batch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese can be used, but it may slightly alter the texture.

→ What can I substitute for almond flour?

You can use all-purpose flour or oat flour if you don't have almond flour on hand.

→ Can these brownies be frozen?

Absolutely! You can freeze the brownies for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly.

→ How can I make these brownies vegan?

You can replace eggs with flax eggs and swap honey for maple syrup to make this recipe vegan.